Mascherano Warns Reds To Play Better

LIVERPOOL: Javier Mascherano has warned his Liverpool teammates to step up their game to prevent the Premier League title slipping from their grasp.

A chance to break away from Chelsea atop the league was squandered last week when the Reds were held to a 0-0 home draw by Fulham as their London rivals shared the same frustration against Newcastle.

Liverpool, level with Chelsea on 33 points, are pursuing their first English league title since 1990.

“We have to improve but we know we can play much better and have the players to do it,” Mascherano said. “But it’s important if you aren’t playing well to win. It’s important just to win and keep going. It’s early but it’s good to be top of the table.”

The West Ham game has revived miserable memories of the Argentina captain’s six-month spell at the club. He was sidelined by then manager Alan Pardew despite joining amid great fanfare with compatriot Carlos Tevez from Brazilian club Corinthians in August 2006.
A disillusioned Mascherano gained special dispensation from FIFA to escape Upton Park for Liverpool in January 2007 in a loan move that was turned into a four-year deal earlier this year.

“I’m pleased that West Ham brought me to England and gave me the chance to play in this country — it helped me earn a move to Liverpool, but that’s all. All that matters to me now is Liverpool,” the 24-year-old Mascherano said.

“I don’t feel anything for West Ham. It’s nothing in my life because I couldn’t play when I was there. They are just another team in the Premier League.

“The fans at Upton Park were very good for me when I was there but I couldn’t play. It’s not like River (Plate) or Corinthians where I played and won titles and I have an affection.” — AP

Mascherano Warns Reds To Play Better

LIVERPOOL: Javier Mascherano has warned his Liverpool teammates to step up their game to prevent the Premier League title slipping from their grasp.

A chance to break away from Chelsea atop the league was squandered last week when the Reds were held to a 0-0 home draw by Fulham as their London rivals shared the same frustration against Newcastle.

Liverpool, level with Chelsea on 33 points, are pursuing their first English league title since 1990.

“We have to improve but we know we can play much better and have the players to do it,” Mascherano said. “But it’s important if you aren’t playing well to win. It’s important just to win and keep going. It’s early but it’s good to be top of the table.”

The West Ham game has revived miserable memories of the Argentina captain’s six-month spell at the club. He was sidelined by then manager Alan Pardew despite joining amid great fanfare with compatriot Carlos Tevez from Brazilian club Corinthians in August 2006.
A disillusioned Mascherano gained special dispensation from FIFA to escape Upton Park for Liverpool in January 2007 in a loan move that was turned into a four-year deal earlier this year.

“I’m pleased that West Ham brought me to England and gave me the chance to play in this country — it helped me earn a move to Liverpool, but that’s all. All that matters to me now is Liverpool,” the 24-year-old Mascherano said.

“I don’t feel anything for West Ham. It’s nothing in my life because I couldn’t play when I was there. They are just another team in the Premier League.

“The fans at Upton Park were very good for me when I was there but I couldn’t play. It’s not like River (Plate) or Corinthians where I played and won titles and I have an affection.” — AP